The Cats have confirmed that 30-year-old Graham has opted to pursue his dream in the United States instead of staying with the club.
In a statement released by Geelong on Wednesday night, Cats coach Mark Thompson gave Graham his best wishes, but felt his absence would not prevent the Cats from having a successful 2005.
“Ben has made the decision to retire from Geelong and the AFL to pursue his goal of playing in the NFL and we wish him well," Thompson said.
"We obviously wanted him to continue with us, but Ben has made the decision that he feels is the best one for him and his family."
"This will be an exciting time for Ben but we still feel this is an exciting time for Geelong."
"We have strengthened our list with Brad Ottens joining us and we are looking forward to pre-season training starting in two weeks and to the 2005 season."
"Ben has been a fine player for us – a 200 game player, a club captain, best & fairest winner and life member – and that is a great contribution to the club."
Thompson had indicated he would be willing to let his centre half-forward spend his summer in the US learning the game, provided Graham turned up to play for the Cats in March.
But the possibility of combining the two sports was always going to be difficult because the next NFL season starts in September 2005.
Geelong is required to lodge its list with a maximum of 35 players by this Friday.
